Bluefin's chief can't wait to meet brokers, underwriters and celebrities alike at the Biba conference

Less than a month to go to the Biba conference and I’m looking forward to a couple of days in (hopefully) sunny Manchester, catching up with some familiar faces and who knows, maybe even making a new contact or two.

The conference has clearly established itself as the single most important event in the broker’s calendar so talk of a record attendance doesn’t surprise me. After all, it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet the movers and shakers in our industry and there’s many a deal to be done.

Diverse programme

As ever, Biba has come up with an interesting and diverse programme. Obviously there’s a lot of industry stuff and inevitable sessions on regulation and fraud – but I like the introduction of the off-piste topics like the man who walked the Amazon and the guy who invented Trunki, the ride-on kids’ luggage. Helps to break up the day.

It’s great, too, that Biba can attract some of the biggest names in business and media. This year it’s Lord Sugar and Andrew Neil and presents a rare opportunity to see such giants in the flesh and see how much they reflect their public image in real life.

Candid coversations

I guess what I am mainly looking forward to is meeting the underwriters and having those candid conversations that you only really get outside the office. You know, a frank exchange of views on those perennial favourites – rates, service and commission.

And also talking to brokers who are considering their exit strategies – it’s a matter of public record that we’re in the market for further acquisitions. I don’t think there is a safer home than Bluefin for anyone who wants to sell and if this is of interest to any of you, then come and find me.

Other reasons for exhibiting at the conference include promoting our wholesale products and our network – Broker Partnership Services. It’s been a great year for the network which has added about 20 new members.

So, yes, I’m looking forward to a couple of intense days. There’s much to see and do, people to meet, things to talk about. And after all the seriousness there are laughs to be had at the Comedy Store.

I think we can be proud of our trade association for putting together such an impressive event and for much more besides over the past 12 months, their help with the various changes to the FSA and incoming FCA have been of huge merit and they have my personal thanks.

Manchester here we come!

Stuart Reid is chief executive of Bluefin.